What is the primary difference between the mechanism of action for Lipid-soluble vs. Water-soluble hormones?
Lipid-soluble (Steroids, Thyroid) have intracellular receptors and affect DNA; Water-soluble (Peptides, Catecholamines) have cell surface receptors and usually require second messengers.
What is the ‘Wolf-Chaikoff mechanism’ regarding the Thyroid?
An adaptive decline in the utilization of iodine when there is an excess of iodine present.
How does T3 compare to T4 in terms of potency and secretion?
T3 is five times as potent as T4, but T4 makes up 90% of the released product.
What are the signs of a Thyroid Storm?
High fever, tachycardia, delirium, chest pain, dyspnea, palpitations, weight loss, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
What is the preferred treatment sequence for Thyroid Storm?
Oxygen/Fluids, Hypothermic measures, Steroids (for adrenal deficiency), Iodine (decrease T4 output), Beta-blockers, and Tapazole/PTU (block synthesis).
What are the airway concerns following a subtotal thyroidectomy?
Hematoma causing tracheal compression, or bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve injury causing vocal cord paralysis (cords flap together causing obstruction).
What is Chvostek’s sign and what does it indicate?
Spasm of the mouth/nose/eye when tapping over the facial nerve; indicates Hypocalcemia (Hypoparathyroidism).
What is Trousseau’s sign and what does it indicate?
Carpopedal spasm (claw hand) manifested when a BP cuff is inflated; indicates Hypocalcemia.
What is the immediate treatment for severe Hypocalcemia with tetany?
IV Calcium Gluconate.
What hormones are secreted by the Adrenal Cortex?
Mineralocorticoids (Aldosterone), Glucocorticoids (Cortisol), and Adrenal Androgens.
What is the hallmark of Pheochromocytoma?
A catecholamine-secreting tumor (usually adrenal medulla) causing paroxysmal hypertension.
What is the ‘Classic Triad’ of symptoms for Pheochromocytoma?
Diaphoresis, Tachycardia (Palpitations), and Headache.
What is the crucial order of drug therapy for Pheochromocytoma prior to surgery?
Alpha blockade must be established before Beta blockade. (Alpha blockers: Phenoxybenzamine/Prazosin; Beta blockers: Propranolol).
Why must Alpha blockade precede Beta blockade in Pheochromocytoma management?
Beta blockade alone leaves alpha-adrenergic effects unopposed, potentially worsening hypertension.
What anesthesia drugs should be avoided in Pheochromocytoma patients?
Drugs that stimulate the SNS, Droperidol (may provoke catecholamine release), and potentially Succinylcholine (due to histamine release/fasciculations).
What is Addison’s Disease?
Primary adrenocortical insufficiency (deficiency of cortical hormones, specifically cortisol and aldosterone).
What are the physical signs of Cushing’s Syndrome (Hypercortisolism)?
Central obesity, muscle wasting, striae, hyperglycemia, hypertension, and hirsutism.
What is the cause of Diabetes Insipidus (DI)?
Deficiency of ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone), leading to excessive thirst and large volumes of dilute urine.
What is SIADH?
Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone: Excessive ADH secretion causing fluid retention and dilutional hyponatremia.
What is the Somogyi effect (implied by ‘rebound’ concepts in diabetes)?
Not explicitly defined in text, but hypoglycemia is noted as the most dangerous acute problem in T1DM treatment. Note: Text mentions insulin levels dropping and glucagon working to release glucose.
How does Diabetes Mellitus affect the airway and intubation (Stiff Joint Syndrome)?
Glycosylation of collagen leads to limited joint mobility (prayer sign), potentially making intubation difficult.
What is the concern with Autonomic Neuropathy in diabetic patients undergoing anesthesia?
It causes gastroparesis (aspiration risk), orthostatic hypotension, resting tachycardia, and potential painless myocardial infarction.
Why are volatile anesthetics theoretically concerning in diabetic patients?
They may impair the release of insulin in response to glucose administration.
What are the ECG changes associated with Hyperkalemia?
Peaked T waves, prolonged PR interval, loss of P wave, widening QRS complex.